On selected Saturdays each month during the fall, we will host a series of discussions on the controversial contemporary topics listed below.  The discussions will be about an hour and followed by a social hour. Please join us for a lively and thoughtful time.  Bring a snack to share if you can, but if you can't come anyway.   The Salons are held at the Berrigan house, 713 Indiana Ave., Des Moines., and begin at 7:30 p.m.

Does Voting Matter?

September 13, 2008

Are electoral politics a waste of time or do they provide essential hope for social progress and change?  Or, neither?  Is it possible to make the electoral less controlled by big money interests?  If voting doesn't work, how do we effectively create positive change in government?

Should faith and politics mix?

October 25, 2008

The role of religion in politics is changing.  How should or shouldn't religion inform politics?  Should politics inform religion?  What about faith traditions or spiritual beliefs that aren't Christian?  What about separation of church and state?  Is there a healthy, constructive way to blend politics and faith?

Is Capitalism Immoral?

November 29, 2008

Has Capitalism and greed eroded cultural morality?  Did Naomi Klein nail the problem in her book "The Shock Doctrine?  Is there good and bad Capitalism?  If not Capitalism, what economic system should we consider?  

Were the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki justified?

December 20, 2008

Were the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki really necessary to end World War II?  Was World War II even necessary?  How do we prevent the use of weapons of mass homicide in the future?

CANCELLED